5 options Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) have to trim down their squad to 24 players

4. Darshan Nalkande

The 21-year-old pacer from Wardha, Maharashtra is one of the youngest players in the squad. The prodigy from Vidarbha has a useful set of all-round skills which could have been put to some good use in his team’s campaign. However, since his inclusion in the squad in 2018, he has not been given any chance to showcase his skills.

Just like Dhillon, Nalkande has no prior IPL experience whatsoever which worsens his case for being included in the squad to the UAE. Another fact which works to his disadvantage is that most of his impressive performances have come in age-restricted cricket matches like the U-19 youth Asia Cup or the U-23 CK Nayudu Trophy. He is yet to make an impact in top-tier matches including first-class cricket.

He was included in the Kings XI’s squad because of his performance in the trials and not because of his exploits in actual matches. Moreover, the presence of quality Indian pacers like Mohammed Shami and Ishan Porel ensures that Punjab does not need much backup in the pace department. Thus, Nalkande may be the one who could miss out on an overseas IPL tourney.